Recently on Radio Specials:

Save Me From Myself -- Sometimes we have a hard time committing ourselves -- whether it's quitting a bad habit or following through on a worthy goal. The program shares stories about "commitment devices" -- a clever way to force yourself to do something that you know will be hard. Host Stephen Dubner talks to a struggling gambler who signs himself up for a program that bans him from state casinos -- only to return, win a jackpot, and have it confiscated. Steve Levitt offers a few of his own off-the-wall commitment devices, and then Brown economist Anna Aizer talks about using commitment devices to fight domestic violence.

Middle East Turmoil: Chaos or Reform? -- Former CIA director Leon E. Panetta returns as moderator for the Panetta Institute's highly acclaimed lecture series, bringing national leaders, policy experts and journalists to the Monterey Peninsula. This episode's discussion features Ehud Barak, former Israeli prime minister and former minister of defense; Joe Lieberman, former United States senator; and Richard Lugar, former United States senator and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Middle East Turmoil: Chaos or Reform? -- Former CIA director Leon E. Panetta returns as moderator for the Panetta Institute's highly acclaimed lecture series, bringing national leaders, policy experts and journalists to the Monterey Peninsula. This episode's discussion features Ehud Barak, former Israeli prime minister and former minister of defense; Joe Lieberman, former United States senator; and Richard Lugar, former United States senator and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Autism Grows Up -- In the 1990s, autism rates around the U.S. began to rise. Each year since then, thousands of California children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Now, these children are "aging out" of school-based special education programs. Each enters adulthood with a unique combination of social deficits that promises a challenging life, even with support. But is the adult world ready for them?

Autism Grows Up -- In the 1990s, autism rates around the U.S. began to rise. Each year since then, thousands of California children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Now, these children are "aging out" of school-based special education programs. Each enters adulthood with a unique combination of social deficits that promises a challenging life, even with support. But is the adult world ready for them?